Saturday, November 24, 2007

In the world of sports, any win is a good win. No matter how you get it, if you have more goals than the other team, the two points will be taken.

With that being said, the Avs put together a very solid effort on Thanksgiving Night. Effort was shown all the way around by both the offense and defense.

Things got started just seven mintues in when Karlis Skrastins (who I ripped two days ago) scored on a slapshot from the point. That goal would hold up until the Oilers scored on the power play ten minutes later. Going into the first intermission, the score was tied 1-1.

In the second, Milan Hejduk continued his solid play with an even strength goal, but once again, Ales Hemsky got his second point of the night when he scored just one minute later. Then, three minutes after Hemsky's goal, Marek Svatos tied Paul Stastny for the team lead in goals as he scored his ninth of the season. Svatos has regained his scoring touch this season and it's great to see.

Into the third, the Avs kept pressing and continued to play well on defense on their way to beating the Oilers.

Goaltenders:Peter Budaj: 14 saves on 16 shotsBudaj let in two weak goals but made some game saving saves.

Matheiu Garon: 28 saves on 31 shotsA good effort by the Avs to put up 30+ shots

BIG Negative

Instead of focusing on a bunch of negatives, I'll continue to cut into the power play. 0-8!!!!!!!!!!! That's AWFUL. I mean, I thought it was bad before. But 0-8? The Avs had three chances in the second period alone! Even more discouraging, the Avs only had eight shots...COMBINED.

Need I say more?

WarriorRyan Smyth's hit in Calgary looked back, but he came back just a period later. Smyth was also in the lineup for Thursday's game. After recording one assist, Smyth revealed that he was playing with a broken nose. That is the true definition of a warrior.

LaughableWhomever was responsible for picking the three stars last night should be fired. All three were Oilers...in a losing effort.

Three Stars of the Game1. Marek Svatos (Another GWG for Svatty)2. John-Michael Liles (The effort was extraordinary. Benching him did some good)3. Milan Hejduk (Most effort on the team thus far)

Next UpThe Avs return to the Pepsi Center to play the Calgary Flames (again?!) for the umpteenth time this season. They'll be hoping to avenge their 4-1 loss a few nights ago.

First PlaceWith this win, the Avs regained first place in the Northwest Division